'Volver' vs. 'Devolver'

'Vuelve' comes from the verb 'volver' (to return). It's the form you use for 'he,' 'she,' or 'you (formal).' For example, 'él vuelve' means 'he returns.'

A Form of the Verb 'Volver'

Notice how the 'o' in 'volver' changes to 'ue' in 'vuelve'. This happens in several present tense forms (yo vuelvo, tú vuelves), but not all of them (nosotros volvemos).

Irregular 'o' to 'ue' Change

To say someone returns 'to' a specific place, use the pattern 'volver a' + [the place]. For example, 'vuelve a la oficina' means 'he/she returns to the office'.

Returning 'to' a Place

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

Adding 'Otra Vez'

Combine 'volver a' with the basic form of any verb (like 'hacer', 'decir', 'ver') to mean 'do that action again'. It's a very common and natural-sounding structure.

The 'Again' Formula: volver a + [action]

Instead of always relying on 'otra vez' (again), try using this pattern. 'Vuelve a decirlo' sounds a bit more fluid than 'Dilo otra vez' in many situations.

Sound More Fluent

Just as common as the first meaning. This pattern is essential for sounding natural.

You can use 'volver' plus a description (an adjective) to say that something causes a change in someone. For example, 'La noticia lo vuelve feliz' (The news makes him happy).

Causing a Change

When someone changes on their own, you often use 'volverse'. 'Él se vuelve más responsable' (He is becoming more responsible). When something else causes the change, you use 'volver'. 'El poder lo vuelve corrupto' (Power makes him corrupt).

Becoming vs. Making

Less common than the first two meanings, but important for understanding transformations.

Formal vs. Informal Commands

'Vuelve' is how you tell a friend (someone you call 'tú') to 'Come back!'. It's the affirmative imperative form. For example, 'Vuelve pronto' (Come back soon).

Giving Informal Commands

The word 'vuelve' can mean 'he returns' or be a command 'Come back!'. You'll know which one it is from the context and tone of voice. Exclamation marks are a big clue!

Context is Everything

Very common in everyday conversation when giving informal commands.

Comprehensive guide to the Spanish word 'vuelve'. Learn its meanings (to return, to do again, to turn into), see full conjugations for 'volver', examples, and common mistakes.

vuelve

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations